Form Tie System

ABSTRACT

A form tie system for efficiently and securely tying together panels of a wall form with an elongated member. The form tie system generally includes a first holder which is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a first panel and a second holder which is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a second panel of a wall form. Each holder includes a grip such as a strand chuck which is adapted to securely retain an elongated member that extends from the first holder to the second holder to tie the panels of the wall form together. One of the holders may comprise an adjustable holder including an adjustable nut utilized to bear against the strand chuck to increase tension in the elongated member. After formation of the wall, the elongated member may be cut and the holders released prior to removing the wall forms from around the completed wall.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND Field

Example embodiments in general relate to a form tie system forefficiently and securely tying together panels of a wall form with anelongated member.

Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should inno way be considered as an admission that such related art is widelyknown or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Wall forms have been in use for many years in constructing concretewalls such as a poured-in-place vertical concrete wall. Wall forms aregenerally constructed with a plurality of panels which define a gap intowhich concrete may be poured to cure into the wall.

In the past, wall forms include multiple panels which are positionedupright in spaced-apart relationship to define the gap in which the wallis formed. As the panels of the wall form are generally not directlyconnected to each other, it is often desirable to tie the panelstogether such that they retain their positioning and orientationrelative to each other during all phases of the concrete wallconstruction and formation.

Previously, ties such as snap-ties or taper-ties have been utilized forsuch a purpose; with the ties being broken off after the wall has beencompleted. While such previous types of ties have been useful in thepast, they are often difficult to use, costly to purchase, and can leavea visible protrusion or hole in the face of the finished cast wall.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment is directed to a form tie system. The form tiesystem includes a first holder which is adapted to be positionedadjacent to a first panel of a wall form and a second holder which isadapted to be positioned adjacent to a second panel of a wall form. Eachholder may include a grip such as a strand chuck which is adapted tosecurely retain an elongated member such as a wire rope that extendsfrom the first holder to the second holder to tie the panels of the wallform together. One of the holders may comprise an adjustable holderincluding an adjustable nut utilized to bear against the strand chuck toincrease tension in the elongated member. After formation of the wall,the elongated member may be cut and the holders released prior toremoving the wall forms from around the completed wall.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments ofthe form tie system in order that the detailed description thereof maybe better understood, and in order that the present contribution to theart may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments of theform tie system that will be described hereinafter and that will formthe subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect,before explaining at least one embodiment of the form tie system indetail, it is to be understood that the form tie system is not limitedin its application to the details of construction or to the arrangementsof the components set forth in the following description or illustratedin the drawings. The form tie system is capable of other embodiments andof being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are forthe purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given herein below and the accompanying drawings, whereinlike elements are represented by like reference characters, which aregiven by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of theexample embodiments herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a form tie system in accordance with anexample embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a form tie system in accordance with anexample embodiment with all holders and elongated members installed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a form tie system in accordance with anexample embodiment with concrete being poured into the form.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a form tie system in accordance with anexample embodiment with the holders being removed after curing theconcrete.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a completed wall of a form tie system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a sectional view of a disengaged first holder of a form tiesystem in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a sectional view of an engaged first holder of a form tiesystem in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6C is a sectional view of an engaged and tensioned first holder ofa form tie system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a pair of holders of a form tie system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of two interconnected holders of a form tiesystem in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a form tie system in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a second holder of a form tie system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a second holder of a form tie system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an installed second holder of a formtie system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a first holder of a form tie system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a first holder of a form tie system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an installed first holder of a form tiesystem in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Overview

An example form tie system 10 generally comprises a first holder 20 forreceiving and retaining an elongated member 14 extending through a wallform 60. The first holder 20 may be adapted to be positioned adjacent toa first panel 61 of the wall form 60. A second holder 40 is adapted forreceiving and retaining the elongated member 14 extending through thewall form 60. The second holder 40 may be positioned adjacent to asecond panel 65 of the wall form 60. The first holder 20 may be adaptedto selectively clamp the elongated member 14 within the first holder 20.The second holder 40 may be adapted to selectively the elongated member14 within the second holder 40. In some embodiments, the first holder 20may be adjustable so as to increase or decrease tension in the elongatedmember 14. The first holder 20, the second holder 40, and the elongatedmember 14 may be operable to support the first panel 61 and the secondpanel 65 of the wall form in a desired position and orientation asconcrete 19 is poured and allowed to cure to form a wall 13 structure.

The first holder 20 may comprise a first grip 30; with the first grip 30being adapted to selectively clamp the elongated member 14 within thefirst holder 20. The second holder 40 may comprise a second grip 50 forgripping the elongated member 14 within the second holder 40; the secondgrip 50 being adapted to selectively clamp the elongated member 14within the second holder 40. In some embodiments, the first grip 30 maybe adapted to selectively release the elongated member 14 within thefirst holder 20 and the second grip 50 may be adapted to selectivelyrelease the elongated member 14 within the second holder 40.

The first holder 20 may comprise a shaft 24; with the first grip 30being connected to the shaft 24. The first holder 20 may also comprisean adjustable nut 27 which is movably connected to the shaft 24. Theadjustable nut 27 may be adapted to selectively bear against the firstholder 20 so as to increase tension in the elongated member 14. Theshaft 24 may comprise a threaded shaft including a channel 23 extendingthrough the shaft 24; with the channel 23 being adapted to receive theelongated member 14. The first holder 20 may also comprise a platewasher 25 which is adapted to be secured against the first panel 61 ofthe wall form 60.

The first grip 30 may comprise a first chuck 32 comprising firstadjustable jaws for selectively clamping the elongated member 14 withinthe first holder 20. The second grip 50 may comprise a second chuck 52comprising second adjustable jaws for selectively clamping the elongatedmember 14 within the second holder 40. The first grip 30 may comprise afirst cap 33 and the second grip 50 may comprise a second cap 53; withthe first cap 33 being adapted to selectively open or close the firstadjustable jaws and the second cap 53 being adapted to selectively openor close the second adjustable jaws.

The second holder 40 may comprise a plate washer 44 adapted to contactthe second panel 65 of the wall form 60. In some embodiments, the platewasher 44 may comprise a slanted face, while in other embodiments, theplate washer 44 may comprise a straight face.

Another exemplary embodiment may comprise a wall form 60 including afirst panel 61 and a second panel 65; with the first panel 61 beingdistally spaced with respect to the first panel 61 so as to form a gap69 between the first panel 61 and the second panel 65. The gap 69 may beadapted to receive a volume of concrete 19, such as from a boom 18, toform a wall 13. A elongated member 14 may be connected between the firstand second panels 61, 65; with the elongated member 14 being adapted totie the first panel 61 to the second panel 65.

A first holder 20 for receiving and retaining a first end of theelongated member 14 may be adapted to be positioned adjacent to an outersurface of the first panel 61 of the wall form 60. A second holder 40for receiving and retaining a second end of the elongated member 14 maybe adapted to be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the secondpanel 65 of the wall form 60. The first holder 20 may comprise a firstgrip 30 for gripping the elongated member 14 within the first holder 20;with the first grip 30 being adapted to selectively clamp or release theelongated member 14 within the first holder 20. The second holder 40 maycomprise a second grip 50 for gripping the elongated member 14 withinthe second holder 40; with the second grip 50 being adapted toselectively clamp or release the elongated member 14 within the secondholder 40.

The first panel 61 may comprise a first vertical support 63; with thefirst holder 20 being adapted to be positioned adjacent to the firstvertical support 62 with the elongated member 14 extending through thefirst vertical support 63. The second panel 65 may comprise a secondvertical support 67; with the second holder 40 being adapted to bepositioned adjacent to the second vertical support 67 with the elongatedmember 14 extending through the second vertical support 67.

The first grip 30 may be adjustable so as to increase or decreasetension in the elongated member 14. The first grip 30 may be comprisedof a first chuck 32 and the second grip 50 may be comprised of a secondchuck 52. The first holder 20 may comprise a threaded shaft 24 includinga first end and a second end; with the first grip 30 being connected tothe first end of the threaded shaft 24 and a plate washer 25 beingconnected to the second end of the threaded shaft 24. The plate washer25 may be adapted to be positioned against the first panel 61. A channel29 may extend through the threaded shaft 24.

The second holder 40 may comprise an outer plate washer 44 and an innerplate washer 45; with the outer plate washer 44 being adapted to bepositioned against the second panel 65. The second grip 50 may beconnected to the inner plate washer 45. The outer plate washer 44 maycomprise a slanted face for embodiments in which the second panel 65 isoriented diagonally.

Also disclosed is a method of connecting a first panel 61 to a secondpanel 65 in a wall form 60, including the step of creating a wall form60 by positioning the first panel 61 and the second panel 65 in aspaced-apart relationship so as to form a gap 68 between the first panel61 and the second panel 65. The method may also include the step ofinserting an elongated member 14 through the first panel 61, the gap 69,and the second panel 65. The method may also include the steps ofpositioning a first holder 20 adjacent to the first panel 61 of the wallform 60 and a second holder 40 adjacent to the second panel 65 of thewall form 60.

The method may also include the step of securing the elongated member 14with a first holder 20; the first holder 20 comprising a first grip 30for selectively clamping or releasing the elongated member 14. Themethod may also include the step of securing the elongated member 14with a second holder 40; the second holder 40 comprising a second grip50 for selectively clamping or releasing the elongated member 14. Themethod may also include the step of adjusting the first holder 20 toincrease or decrease tension in the elongated member 14.

Any type of elongated member 14 comprising any number of materials maybe utilized so long as the elongated member 14 has sufficient strengthto support the panels 61, 65 of the wall form 60 upright withoutwarping, stretching, or breaking. The length and diameter of theelongated member 14 may also vary in different embodiments to suitdifferent applications. In some embodiments, the elongated member 14 maycomprise a metallic rod, a rope, or any other elongated structurecapable of supporting the panels 61, 65 of the wall form 60 upright withuse of the holders 20, 40. By way of example, the elongated member 14may comprise wire ropes or steel strands, such as an ASTM A416,seven-wire, low-relaxation pre-stressed steel strand. The elongatedmember 14 may be flexible, bendable or rigid.

B. Adjustable Holder

As best shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, a first holder 20 may be utilizedto retain the elongated member 14. The position on the elongated member14 to which the first holder 20 is secured may vary. For example, thefirst holder 20 could be secured to the first end of the elongatedmember 14, to a point near the first end of the elongated member 14, orto any other portion of the elongated member 14 which extends throughthe first panel 61.

The configuration of the first holder 20 may vary in differentembodiments. The first holder 20 could comprise a knot, a bracket, aclamp, a block, an anchor, or any other structure adapted for holdingthe elongated member 14 while being retained against the first panel 61of the wall form 60. Thus, the exemplary descriptions and figures hereinshould not be construed as limiting with respect to the type of firstholder 20 utilized.

The first holder 20 may be adapted to be positioned adjacent to a wallform 60, such as the first panel 61 of a wall form 60 as shown inFIG. 1. It should be appreciated that the first holder 20 may bepositioned adjacent to either the first panel 61 or the second panel 65of the wall form 60, and thus should not be construed as limited inscope by the exemplary figures.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first holder 20 may comprise a first end 21 anda second end 22. The first end 21 of the first holder 20 may bepositioned and secured against the first panel 61 of the wall form 60.The second end 22 of the first holder 20 may comprise a first grip 30through which the elongated member 14 may extend such as shown in FIG.6A. A channel 23 may extend through the first holder 20; with theelongated member 14 extending through the channel 23 and being securedtherein by a first grip 30.

As best shown in FIG. 14, the first holder 20 in an exemplary embodimentmay comprise a plate washer 25, an anchor nut 26, an adjustable nut 27,and a first grip 30. The plate washer 25 is adapted to be positioned andsecured against the wall form 60. In the exemplary embodiment shown inthe figures, the plate washer 25 is shown as comprising a rectangularplate having a central opening.

It should be appreciated that the shape, size, and configuration of theplate washer 25 may vary in different embodiments, and thus should notbe construed as limited by the exemplary figures. In some embodiments,the plate washer 25 may comprise a circular configuration, or any othershape, so as long as it is adapted to be secured against the wall form60.

As shown in FIG. 6A, an anchor nut 26 may be connected to the platewasher 25. The anchor nut 26 may be removably connected or fixedlyconnected to the plate washer 25. In some embodiments, the anchor nut 26may be integral with the plate washer 25. The manner in which the platewasher 25 and anchor nut 26 are interconnected may thus vary indifferent embodiments to suit different application. The anchor nut 26is generally not movable with respect to the plate washer 25. The anchornut 26 may include a threaded opening which is adapted to receive ashaft 24 as described herein.

The shaft 24 may comprise a threaded, elongated member which may beconnected to the anchor nut 26. The shaft 24 may be fixedly or removablyconnected to the anchor nut 26. In some embodiments, the shaft 24 isthreaded so as to removably engage within the anchor nut 26. The channel23 of the first holder 20 may extend through the shaft 24 such that theelongated member 14 may be removably extended through the shaft 24 asshown and described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, an adjustable nut 27 may be movablyconnected to the shaft 24. The adjustable nut 27 may include a threadedopening which is adapted to engage with the threading on the exterior ofthe shaft 24. The adjustable nut 27 may be rotated a first direction tomove the adjustable nut 27 along the shaft 24 toward the anchor nut 26.The adjustable nut 27 may be rotated in a second direction to move theadjustable nut 27 along the shaft 24 away from the anchor nut 26 andtoward the first grip 30. Such movement of the adjustable nut 27 alongthe shaft 24 is shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C.

As best shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the first grip 30 is adapted toselectively clamp or release an elongated member 14 extending throughthe first holder 20. The first grip 30 may comprise a wide range ofconfigurations, such as a simple clamping structure. In an embodimentshown in the figures, the first grip 30 may comprise a strand chuck,such as a SURE LOCK strand chuck as is known in the art. An exemplarystrand chuck which may be utilized for the first grip 30 is shown anddescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,748,396, covering a “Strand Chuck”, whichis hereby incorporated by reference. Another exemplary strand chuckwhich may be utilized for the first grip 30 is shown and described inU.S. Pat. No. 3,163,904, covering “Strand Chucks”, which is herebyincorporated by reference. As best shown in FIGS. 14, the first grip 30may comprise a housing 31 having a wedge-shaped opening in which a chuck32 may be movably positioned. The chuck 32 may comprise adjustable jawswhich are adapted to close around the elongated member 14 to clamp andsecure the elongated member 14 within the first holder 20. Conversely,the adjustable jaws of the chuck 32 are adapted to expand so as toeither receive an elongated member 14 to be secured therein, or torelease an elongated member 14 that was already secured therein.

As shown in FIG. 14, the first grip 30 may comprise a cap 33 which isthreaded along its outer circumference so as to engage with a capconnector 34 of the housing 31 of the first grip 30. The cap 33 may bepartially removed from the housing 31, which will disengage theadjustable jaws of the chuck 32 to release an elongated member 14 orallow an elongated member 14 to be inserted therein. The cap 33 may beinserted into the housing 31 to engage the adjustable jaws of the chuck32 to clamp around an elongated member 14.

As shown in FIG. 14, the first grip 30 may include a bias member 35which will exert outward pressure on the cap 33 to ease release of thecap 33. When the cap 33 is pushed it, it will advance the chuck 32through the wedge-shaped opening of the housing 31 to close theadjustable jaws and clamp around the elongated member 14. When the cap33 is pushed out, the chuck 32 will retract along the wedge-shapedopening of the housing 31 to open the adjustable jaws and release theelongated member 14.

As should be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the precedingexemplary descriptions and accompanying exemplary figures merelyillustrate one exemplary type of first grip 30 for use with the systemsand methods described herein. A wide range of gripping devices and thelike may be utilized to selectively secure the elongated member 14within the first holder 20. Thus, the scope of the first grip 30 shouldnot be construed as limited by the exemplary descriptions and figuresherein.

As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the adjustable nut 27 may be utilized toincrease tension in the elongated member 14 once the elongated member 14is secured within the first holder 20 by the first grip 30. By advancingthe adjustable nut 27 toward the first grip 30, the adjustable nut 27may bear against the housing 31 of the first grip 30 and thus increasetension in the elongated member 14 secured therein. Conversely,advancing the adjustable nut 27 away from the first grip 30 may releaseor reduce tension in the elongated member 14.

C. Fixed Holder

As best shown in FIG. 10, a second holder 40 may be utilized to securethe elongated member 14. The second holder 40 may be adapted to bepositioned adjacent to a wall form 60, such as the second panel 65 of awall form 60 as shown in FIG. 1. It should be appreciated that thesecond holder 40 may be positioned adjacent to either the first panel 61or the second panel 65 of the wall form 60, and thus should not beconstrued as limited in scope by the exemplary figures.

The position on the elongated member 14 to which the second holder 40 issecured may vary. For example, the second holder 40 could be secured tothe second end of the elongated member 14, to a point near the secondend of the elongated member 14, or to any other portion of the elongatedmember 14 which extends through the second panel 65.

The configuration of the second holder 40 may vary in differentembodiments. The second holder 40 could comprise a knot, a bracket, ananchor, a clamp, a block, or any other structure adapted for holding theelongated member 14 while being retained against the second panel 65 ofthe wall form 60. Thus, the exemplary descriptions and figures hereinshould not be construed as limiting with respect to the type of secondholder 40 utilized.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second holder 40 may comprise a first end 41 anda second end 42. The first end 41 of the second holder 40 may bepositioned and secured against the second panel 65 of the wall form 60.The second end 42 of the second holder 40 may comprise a second grip 50through which the elongated member 14 may extend such as shown in FIG.8. A channel 43 may extend through the second holder 40; with theelongated member 14 extending through the channel 43 and being securedtherein by a second grip 50.

As shown in FIG. 11, the second holder 40 may include one or more platewashers 44, 45. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11, the secondholder 40 is illustrated as comprising an outer plate washer 44 and aninner plate washer 45. The outer plate washer 44 is adapted to bepositioned and secured against the wall form 60. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in the figures, both plate washers 44, 45 are shown ascomprising a rectangular plate having a central opening.

It should be appreciated that the shape, size, and configuration of theplate washers 44, 45 may vary in different embodiments, and thus shouldnot be construed as limited by the exemplary figures. In someembodiments, the plate washers 44, 45 may comprise a circularconfiguration, or any other shape, so as long as it is adapted to besecured against the wall form 60.

The inner plate washer 45 may be secured against the second grip 50 suchas shown in FIG. 10. The inner plate washer 45 will generally comprise asubstantially vertical face which may be utilized to form a verticalwall 13. If it is desired to create a wall 13 with a slant, such as whenconstructing a tapered wall 13, the outer plate washer 44 may comprise aslanted or diagonal face. The outer plate washer 44 may be removablyconnected to the inner plate washer 45 such that the outer plate washer44 may be secured thereto for construction of a wall 13 with a slantedangle, and removed therefrom for construction of a wall 13 with avertical angle. In some embodiments, only a single plate washer 44 maybe utilized.

As best shown in FIG. 10, the second grip 50 is adapted to selectivelyclamp or release an elongated member 14 extending through the secondholder 40. The second grip 50 may comprise a wide range ofconfigurations, such as a simple clamping structure.

In an embodiment shown in the figures, the second grip 50 may comprise astrand chuck, such as a SURE LOCK strand chuck as is known in the art.An exemplary strand chuck which may be utilized for the second grip 50is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,748,396, covering a “StrandChuck”, which has previously been incorporated by reference. Anotherexemplary strand chuck which may be utilized for the second grip 50 isshown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,163,904, covering “StrandChucks”, which has also previously been incorporated by reference.

As best shown in FIG. 11, the second grip 50 may comprise a housing 51having a wedge-shaped opening in which a chuck 52 may be movablypositioned. The chuck 52 may comprise adjustable jaws which are adaptedto close around the elongated member 14 to clamp and secure theelongated member 14 within the second holder 40. Conversely, theadjustable jaws of the chuck 52 are adapted to expand so as to eitherreceive an elongated member 14 to be secured therein, or to release anelongated member 14 that was already secured therein.

As shown in FIG. 11, the second grip 50 may comprise a cap 53 which isthreaded along its outer circumference so as to engage with a capconnector 54 of the housing 51 of the second grip 50. The cap 53 may bepartially removed from the housing 51, which will disengage theadjustable jaws of the chuck 52 to release an elongated member 14 orallow an elongated member 14 to be inserted therein. The cap 53 may beinserted into the housing 51 to engage the adjustable jaws of the chuck52 to clamp around an elongated member 14.

As shown in FIGS. 11, the second grip 50 may include a bias member 55which will exert outward pressure on the cap 53 to ease release of thecap 53. When the cap 53 is pushed it, it will advance the chuck 52through the wedge-shaped opening of the housing 51 to close theadjustable jaws and clamp around the elongated member 14. When the cap53 is pushed out, the chuck 52 will retract along the wedge-shapedopening of the housing 51 to open the adjustable jaws and release theelongated member 14.

As should be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the precedingexemplary descriptions and accompanying exemplary figures merelyillustrate one exemplary type of second grip 50 for use with the systemsand methods described herein. A wide range of gripping devices and thelike may be utilized to selectively secure the elongated member 14within the second holder 40. Thus, the scope of the second grip 50should not be construed as limited by the exemplary descriptions andfigures herein.

D. Wall Form

It should be appreciated that the systems and methods described hereinmay be utilized with a wide range of wall forms 60. FIGS. 1-4 and 9illustrate an exemplary wall form 60 comprising a first panel 61 and asecond panel 65 which are positioned in spaced-apart relationship withrespect to each other to define a gap 69 between the first panel 61 andthe second panel 65. The gap 69 is adapted to receive a curing substancesuch as concrete 19 which will be allowed to cure to form the wall 13.Side panels 16 may be installed to close off the gap 69 such as shown inFIG. 3.

It should be appreciated that any type of wall form 60 may benefit fromthe form tie system 10 described herein. The form tie system 10 aids inretaining the wall form 60 in position during formation of the wall 13by preventing unwanted movement of either of the panels 61, 65 of thewall form 60; particularly during the pouring and curing of concrete 19.By tying the panels 61, 65 together using the systems and methodsdescribed herein, the structural integrity, positioning, and orientationof the wall form 60 may be retained during all phases of wall 13formation.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, an exemplary first panel 61 may comprise aplurality of first horizontal supports 62 such as wales. These firsthorizontal supports 62 provide structural stability and integrity of thewall form 60. A first vertical support 63 such as a strongback extendsperpendicularly with respect to the first horizontal supports 62; withthe elongated member 14 extending through the first vertical support 63such as shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary second panel 65 may comprise aplurality of second horizontal supports 66 such as wales. These secondhorizontal supports 65 similarly provide structural stability andintegrity of the wall form 60. A second vertical support 67 such as astrongback extends perpendicularly with respect to the second horizontalsupports 67; with the elongated member 14 extending through the secondvertical support 67 such as shown in FIG. 1.

The preceding descriptions and accompanying figures are merely exemplaryembodiments of wall forms 60. Any type of wall form 60, includingdifferent types of panels 61, 65, may be utilized with the form tiesystem 10 described herein. In some embodiments, the wall form 60 maynot include horizontal supports 62, 66 and/or vertical supports 63, 67,as they are not required for operation of the form tie system 10. By wayof example, any of the wall forms 60 shown and described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/722,417, covering a “Concrete Forming System”,may be utilized. The Ser. No. 15/722,417 application is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

E. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, the wall form 60 is first created by positioning the first panel61 at a first location and the second panel 65 in a second location suchas shown in FIG. 1. The first panel 61 will be spaced-apart with respectto the second panel 65 so as to define a gap 69 between the first panel61 and the second panel 65. The positioning and orientation of thepanels 61, 65 may vary depending on the type of wall 13 being built.

For example, for a conventional flat-faced wall 13, both the first andsecond panels 61, 65 will be positioned vertically at a distance fromeach other equal to the desired depth of the wall 13. If it is desiredthat the wall 13 be tapered, one or both of the panels 61, 65 may bediagonally-oriented such that one or both of the faces of the wall 13will be slanted. Any other orientation may be utilized depending uponthe type of wall 13 being built and the needs of the user.

Once the wall form 60 has been created by positioning the panels 61, 65,the form tie system 10 may be utilized to ensure that the panels 61, 65retain their positioning and orientation throughout the formation of thewall 13. One or more elongated members 14 may be inserted to passthrough the first panel 61, the gap 69, and the second panel 65 of eachform 60. In the figures, the elongated members 14 are passed through thevertical supports 62, 66 of the respective panels 61, 65; though otherconfigurations may be utilized in different embodiments.

The number of elongated members 14 utilized will vary depending on thewall form 60 being used, as well as the type of wall 13 beingconstructed. Thus, the number of elongated members 14 utilized in theexemplary figures should not be construed as limiting in scope.Additionally, although the figures illustrate that the elongated members14 are arranged in columns; various other orientations could beutilized. The elongated members 14 need not necessarily be oriented inthe linear manner shown in the exemplary figures.

With the elongated members 14 inserted through the wall form 60, theholders 20, 40 may be installed so as to secure the elongated members 14in their positions and tie together the wall form 60. As shown in FIG.2, a position near the first end of each elongated member 14 may besecured by a first holder 20 and a position near the second end of eachelongated member 14 may be secured by a second holder 40.

The elongated member 14 may secured by a first holder 20 after it passesthrough the first panel 61. The first end of each elongated member 14 isinserted through the first end 21 of the first holder 20 until it exitsthrough the second end 22 of the first holder 20. More specifically, thefirst end of each elongated member 14 is inserted through the channel 29of the first holder 20 as shown in FIG. 7. The elongated member 14 willpass through the plate washer 25, anchor nut 26, shaft 24, adjustablenut 27, and first grip 30. The plate washer 25 is secured firmly againstthe first panel 61.

Once the elongated member 14 has been inserted through the first holder20, the first grip 30 may be activated to secure the elongated member 14within the first holder 20. In the embodiment shown in the figures, thefirst grip 30 may be activated by pushing in and locking the cap 33,which will force the chuck 32 forward within the housing 31 to close theadjustable jaws of the chuck 32 around the elongated member 14. In thismanner, the first grip 30 will clamp and secure the elongated member 14within the first holder 20.

The elongated member 14 may be secured by a second holder 40 after itpasses through the second panel 65. The second end of each elongatedmember 14 is inserted through the first end 41 of the second holder 40until it exits through the second end 42 of the second holder 40. Morespecifically, the second end of each elongated member 14 is insertedthrough the second grip 50, and plate washers 44, 45 through the channel43 of the second holder 40 as shown in FIG. 10. The outer plate washer44 is secured firmly against the second panel 65.

Once the elongated member 14 has been inserted through the second holder40, the second grip 50 may be activated to secure the elongated member14 within the second holder 40. In the embodiment shown in the figures,the second grip 50 may be activated by pushing in and locking the cap53, which will force the chuck 52 forward within the housing 51 to closethe adjustable jaws of the chuck 52 around the elongated member 14. Inthis manner, the second grip 50 will clamp and secure the elongatedmember 14 within the second holder 40.

With the elongated member 14 being secured by the holders 20, 40, thetension in the elongated member 14 may be adjusted if desired. Tensionmay be applied to the elongated member 14 by adjusting the adjustablenut 27 of the first holder 20 such that the adjustable nut 27 bearsagainst the first grip 30. The adjustable nut 27 may be rotated toadvance along the shaft 24 until it contacts the first grip 30, and thenadjusted further to apply force to the first grip 30 and thus increasetension in the elongated member 14.

FIG. 2 illustrates a wall form 60 with elongated members 14 that havebeen secured on both ends by holders 20, 40 and have been tensioned bythe adjustable nut 27 of each first holder 20. As can be seen, thepanels 61, 65 are now tied together by the elongated members 14, whichare held in place by the holders 20, 40 on either end of each elongatedmember 14. Each elongated member 14 may be tensions by each first holder20 using the adjustable nut 27 as described above. The form 60 is nowready for use.

FIG. 3 illustrates a pair of side panels 16 that have been installed oneither side of the first and second panels 61, 65 to close off the gap69. A boom 19 is positioned above the gap 69 such that concrete 19 maybe poured into the gap 69 and allowed to cure. As the concrete 19 ispoured into the gap 69, the form 60 will hold its position due to theelongated members 14 and holders 20, 40 tying the panels 61, 65 of theform 60 together. The concrete 19 may then be allowed to cure to formthe wall 13.

Once the concrete 19 has been cured to form the wall 13, the wall form60 may be removed. Each of the holders 20, 40 may be cut away from thepanels 61, 65 by a cutting tool 12 (such as a saw blade or the like)that cuts through the elongated member 14 between the holders 20, 40 andthe panels 61, 65. Once the elongated member 14 has been cut, eachholder 20, 40 may be pulled away from the panels 61, 65. The grips 30,50 may be deactivated so as to release the cut-off portions of eachelongated member 14, and the holders 20, 40 will be ready for furtheruse on a new form 60. FIG. 5 illustrates a completed wall 13; with theremaining elongated member 14 being embedded into the finished concrete19.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the form tie system, suitable methods andmaterials are described above. All publications, patent applications,patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law andregulations. The form tie system may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, andit is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilizedwithin the description are for convenience only and have no legal orlimiting effect.

1. A form tie system, comprising: a first holder for receiving andretaining an elongated member extending through a first panel of a wallform, the first holder being adapted to be positioned adjacent to thefirst panel of the wall form, wherein the elongated member is comprisedof a wire rope; a second holder for retaining the elongated memberextending through a second panel of the wall form, the second holderbeing adapted to be positioned adjacent to the second panel of the wallform; wherein the first holder is adapted to selectively clamp theelongated member within the first holder; and wherein the first holder,the second holder, and the elongated member are operable to support thefirst panel and the second panel of the wall form in a desired positionand orientation.
 2. The form tie system of claim 1, wherein the firstholder is adjustable so as to increase or decrease tension in theelongated member.
 3. The form tie system of claim 1, wherein the firstholder comprises a first grip, the first grip being adapted toselectively clamp the elongated member within the first holder.
 4. Theform tie system of claim 3, wherein the first grip is comprised of astrand chuck.
 5. The form tie system of claim 3, wherein the secondholder comprises a second grip for gripping the elongated member withinthe second holder, wherein the second grip is adapted to selectivelyclamp the elongated member within the second holder.
 6. The form tiesystem of claim 5, wherein the first grip is adapted to selectivelyrelease the elongated member within the first holder, wherein the secondgrip is adapted to selectively release the elongated member within thesecond holder.
 7. The form tie system of claim 3, wherein the firstholder comprises a shaft, wherein the first grip is connected to theshaft, wherein the first holder comprises an adjustable nut movablyconnected to the shaft, wherein the adjustable nut is adapted toselectively bear against the first holder so as to increase tension inthe elongated member.
 8. The form tie system of claim 7, wherein thefirst grip comprises a plurality of adjustable jaws for selectivelyclamping the elongated member within the first holder.
 9. The form tiesystem of claim 8, wherein the first grip comprises a first cap, whereinthe first cap is adapted to selectively open or close the adjustablejaws.
 10. (canceled)
 11. A form tie system, comprising: a wall formcomprising a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel isdistally spaced with respect to the first panel so as to form a gapbetween the first panel and the second panel, the gap being adapted toreceive a volume of concrete; an elongated member connected between thefirst panel and the second panel, the elongated member being adapted totie the first panel to the second panel, wherein the elongated member iscomprised of a wire rope; a first holder for receiving and retaining theelongated member, the first holder being adapted to be positionedadjacent to an outer surface of the first panel of the wall form; asecond holder for receiving and retaining the elongated member, thesecond holder being adapted to be positioned adjacent to an outersurface of the second panel of the wall form; wherein the first holdercomprises a first grip for gripping the elongated member within thefirst holder, wherein the first grip is adapted to selectively clamp theelongated member within the first holder; wherein the second holdercomprises a second grip for gripping the elongated member within thesecond holder, wherein the second grip is adapted to selectively clampthe elongated member within the second holder; and wherein the firstholder, the second holder, and the elongated member are operable tosupport the first panel and the second panel of the wall form in adesired position and orientation.
 12. The form tie system of claim 11,wherein the first panel comprises a first vertical support, wherein thefirst holder is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the first verticalsupport, wherein the elongated member extends through the first verticalsupport.
 13. The form tie system of claim 12, wherein the second panelcomprises a second vertical support, wherein the second holder isadapted to be positioned adjacent to the second vertical support,wherein the elongated member extends through the second verticalsupport.
 14. The form tie system of claim 11, wherein the first holderis adjustable so as to increase or decrease tension in the elongatedmember.
 15. The form tie system of claim 11, wherein the first grip iscomprised of a first strand chuck, wherein the second grip is comprisedof a second strand chuck.
 16. The form tie system of claim 11, whereinthe first holder comprises: a threaded shaft including a first end and asecond end, wherein the first grip is connected to the first end of thethreaded shaft; a channel extending through the threaded shaft; and aplate washer connected to the second end of the threaded shaft, theplate washer being adapted to be positioned against the first panel. 17.The form tie system of claim 16, wherein the second holder comprises anouter plate washer and an inner plate washer, wherein the outer platewasher is adapted to be positioned against the second panel, wherein thesecond grip is connected to the inner plate washer.
 18. (canceled) 19.(canceled)
 20. (canceled)
 21. A form tie system, comprising: a wall formcomprising a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel isdistally spaced with respect to the first panel so as to form a gapbetween the first panel and the second panel, the gap being adapted toreceive a volume of concrete; an elongated member connected between thefirst panel and the second panel, the elongated member being adapted totie the first panel to the second panel; a first holder for receivingand retaining the elongated member, the first holder being adapted to bepositioned adjacent to an outer surface of the first panel of the wallform; wherein the first holder comprises: a threaded shaft including afirst end and a second end, wherein the first grip is connected to thefirst end of the threaded shaft; a channel extending through thethreaded shaft; and a plate washer connected to the second end of thethreaded shaft, the plate washer being adapted to be positioned againstthe first panel; a second holder for receiving and retaining theelongated member, the second holder being adapted to be positionedadjacent to an outer surface of the second panel of the wall form;wherein the second holder comprises an outer plate washer and an innerplate washer, wherein the outer plate washer is adapted to be positionedagainst the second panel, wherein the second grip is connected to theinner plate washer; wherein the outer plate washer comprises a slantedface; wherein the first holder comprises a first grip for gripping theelongated member within the first holder, wherein the first grip isadapted to selectively clamp the elongated member within the firstholder; wherein the second holder comprises a second grip for grippingthe elongated member within the second holder, wherein the second gripis adapted to selectively clamp the elongated member within the secondholder; and wherein the first holder, the second holder, and theelongated member are operable to support the first panel and the secondpanel of the wall form in a desired position and orientation.